Deusi-Bhailo’s reduction in hours sparks criticism

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For Biraj Bhattarai, Tihar was his favorite holiday during his childhood. He and his friends played Deusi until midnight in their neighborhood of Kuleshwar. It was the only time of the year their parents allowed them to go out so late at night.

Bhattarai is now 35 years old, and for more than five years he has watched the authorities in Kathmandu limit Deusi-Bhailo’s hours. In doing so, Bhattarai believes the authorities are denying today’s children and youth the experience of Deusi-Bhailo, an integral part of the Tihar festival.

Also this year, the Kathmandu Valley district administration offices banned Deusi Bhailo after 9 p.m., citing the Covid-19 pandemic.

“But authorities have banned Deusi Bhailo late at night since before the pandemic. They always make excuses, ”Bhattarai said.

Rmesh Karki, 42, resident of Satdobato, Lalitpur feels the same as Bhattarai.

“The government is simply overreacting. If he is concerned about safety, he should mobilize the police to patrol the neighborhoods. It can also apply health and safety measures against Covid-19, ”Karki said. “Instead, the government is restricting culture. “

Karki also questioned the authorities not to take the same harsh stance when it comes to Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The government’s decision to ban Deusi-Bhailo after 9 p.m. has also drawn criticism on social media platforms.

Director Dipendra Kumar Khanal expressed his displeasure in a Facebook post in which he criticized authorities for allowing clubs and discos to operate until midnight and shortening Deusi-Bhailo’s hours.

Khanal’s Facebook thread is full of criticism of the government.

Some cultural experts have also expressed their concern.

“I am not convinced that this restriction is due to Covid-19. If the authorities were really concerned about the pandemic, they would also have cut back on other festivals and gatherings, ”said Om Dhaubhadel, a culture expert.

“Instead of preserving culture, the authorities are trying to destroy it. If this practice continues, the new generation will forget the essence of Deusi-Bhailo.

If the government is concerned about law and order, Dhaubhadel suggested that authorities address issues that need to be addressed, such as the early closure of liquor stores and bars and the ban on the use of loudspeakers. .

When the Post contacted Kathmandu district chief Govinda Prasad Rijal and asked him the reason for Deusi-Bhailo’s time limit, he said the decision was made after looking at both sides of the issue. .

“The police cannot handle the crowds if we allow the public to play Deusi-Bhailo all night long. Party people are obviously going to get drunk and misbehave, ”said Rijal.

“On top of that, people create unwanted noise at night, and it’s hard to avoid,” he added.

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